Mission code names
In the realm of military operations, the significance of code names cannot be understated. These names serve as vital tools for succinct and secure communication, enabling quick identification of specific missions or plans while ensuring operational security. Prominent examples, such as Operation Overlord, Operation Desert Storm, and Operation Enduring Freedom, showcase how code names effectively convey project goals and strategies.
Taking inspiration from this practice, design teams can adopt the use of secret code names to elevate collaboration, establish project scope, and cultivate a distinct team spirit. By incorporating elements of amusement and mystery into their projects, design teams can unlock new levels of creativity and engagement. In this short essay, I will explore the parallels between military code names and their impact on the approach and outcomes of design teams.
Just as military code names encapsulate the essence of an operation, assigning unique and memorable code names to design projects helps define their identity. Employing catchy and creative names, such as Operation Silver Lining for adding beautiful assets to a challenging product or Operation Midas Touch for a project adding that extra 10% of value for customers, instills a sense of purpose and excitement among team members.
Prior to embracing this concept within my design team, projects were often referred to with generic labels like Checkout Optimisation or Restaurant list redesign, resulting in ambiguity and a lack of clear definition. Designating projects with secret code names, such as Project Red Thunder adds intrigue and fosters a collective understanding of the project's scope and objectives.
A recent example of implementing this approach in my teams was seen in Project Lipstick Pig. The name was chosen to symbolize our effort to enhance our old UX interface, akin to applying makeup to a pig. This code name effectively communicated the purpose and end goal of the product, providing a defined framework for the mission's tasks. Additionally, team members found delight in being part of Mission Lipstick Pig, creating a shared sense of accomplishment once the mission was successfully completed.
A current example is quite literally named after one of our team Member’s mothers because, after we are complete, the UX needs to be so simple that his mum could use it. Hello Project Metja!
This leads us to the importance of team spirit. Code names have a unifying effect on military personnel, fostering a collective sense of purpose and camaraderie. Similarly, design teams can benefit from heightened collaboration and an atmosphere of adventure, inspiring team members to work together towards a common goal. Injecting humour and creativity, such as naming a CSS rebrand project Lipstick Pig, definitely cultivates a lighthearted workplace environment.
Furthermore, these names foster a sense of ownership and accountability for the project. Just as military personnel take pride in being part of a named operation, I have witnessed design teams develop a stronger connection and personal responsibility for their projects when assigned unique code names; even developers have gotten on board! Associating their work with memorable names instills a greater sense of ownership, motivating designers to invest their best efforts and take pride in the outcomes they deliver. As a team lead, witnessing this sense of ownership is truly rewarding.
Incorporating the use of secret code names in design teams has a profound impact on collaboration, communication, and creative outcomes. Drawing inspiration from military operations, design teams can infuse their projects with a sense of adventure, purpose, and camaraderie. From establishing project identity and fostering collaboration to enhancing communication and igniting creativity, the strategic use of code names empowers design teams to approach their work with renewed enthusiasm and a stronger sense of unity. Therefore, I highly recommend adopting code names for projects, regardless of their scale.
Are you ready to embark on a mission with Team Lipstick Pig? Absolutely!
